Introduction
Joel Jacko is featured among the ensemble of National Geographic’s series “Life Below Zero: First Alaskans,” which offers a glimpse into the lives of indigenous Alaska natives navigating the rugged landscapes using a blend of ancestral wisdom and contemporary strategies for survival. Of Athabascan Indian descent, Joel resides in Pedro Bay, a remote settlement situated on the northeastern shores of Iliamna Lake, alongside his spouse Jacqueline and their adopted daughter Anzlie. This piece aims to delve deeper into the Jacko family’s heritage, their daily routines, and the obstacles they encounter in their unique way of life.
Joel Jacko’s Background
Joel’s upbringing took place in Chignik, Alaska, where he gleaned invaluable survival wisdom and expertise from his father. Within his extended family network, consisting of a notable 18 cousins or siblings, a number of them also call Alaska home. Furthermore, Joel wears multiple hats in his professional life: he serves as the proprietor of KMZ LLC Construction, a company he established in April 2017, while simultaneously fulfilling roles as a hunting guide and a fisherman.
Jacqueline Jacko’s Background
Originally hailing from Washington state, Jacqueline’s journey led her to Pedro Bay after crossing paths with Joel during a vacation in Alaska. Her professional trajectory began in 2007 as a sales representative at Procter and Gamble, subsequently navigating through diverse roles within companies like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Nilavena Tribes Inc., Bulgari Perfumes, and the Lake and Peninsula School District. Presently, she holds the position of sales representative at L’Oreal, bringing her wealth of experience to the cosmetics industry.
Anzlie Jacko’s Background
Anzlie, the cherished adopted daughter of Joel and Jacqueline, entered their lives on November 23, 2016, hailing from the Yup’ik tribe. Prior to her adoption, Joel and Jacqueline had embarked on fostering children, welcoming two sons aged three and six in 2016. However, challenges arose in establishing communication and forming bonds with them. Conversely, Anzlie seamlessly integrated into the Jacko family, assuming a pivotal role in assisting her parents with household tasks.
The Jacko Family’s Lifestyle
The Jacko family is committed to embracing a fully sustainable lifestyle, deeply rooted in the bounties of the surrounding land and water³. They meticulously hunt, fish, forage, and cultivate their own food, prioritizing self-sufficiency. Harnessing the power of renewable energy, they rely on solar panels and wind turbines to energize their home. Equipped with a boat, snowmobile, and four-wheeler, they traverse the terrain with ease. Additionally, their team of dogs serves both as companions and partners in sledding adventures.
The Jacko Family’s Challenges
Surviving the harsh conditions of Alaska’s subzero climate presents numerous hurdles for the Jacko family. From battling extreme weather and navigating treacherous wildlife to contending with isolation and limited resources, their daily existence is a testament to resilience³. Joel endeavors to impart his father’s ancestral wisdom to his daughter, Anzlie, preparing her to straddle the worlds of tradition and modern challenges². Meanwhile, Jacqueline juggles the demands of her career with the responsibilities of family life, grappling with the cultural nuances of her new Alaskan home. Despite their adaptation, the longing for connections with loved ones back in Washington state occasionally weighs on Jacqueline’s heart. And for Anzlie, navigating her Yup’ik heritage and forging her identity amidst the rugged landscapes of Pedro Bay adds another layer of complexity to her upbringing.
Conclusion
The Jacko family exemplifies the resilience of indigenous Alaska natives living below zero in Alaska, blending ancestral knowledge with modern innovations to flourish in extreme conditions. Their journey, chronicled in National Geographic’s Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, offers insight into the challenges they confront and the triumphs they achieve amidst the unforgiving terrain. Through a unique blend of tradition and technology, they navigate the complexities of their environment, demonstrating the strength and determination required to thrive in one of the world’s harshest landscapes.
